Seven car models earn five-star rating from Euro NCAP testing

Seven car models have earned five-star ratings in the latest Euro NCAP testing.

The cars that achieved the rating were Mercedes-Benz’s EQC, and their second generation CLA; Škoda’s Kamiq; the fourth generation SsangYong Korando; BMW’s latest Z4 and the new Audi A1. In addition, the Ford Focus, already tested in 2018, has been reassessed following minor updates to car.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general at Euro NCAP, said: “It’s great to see this continued commitment to improved safety.

"From these results, achieving five stars may look so easy, but to meet test and fitment requirements for technology are very demanding and always updated to incorporate the latest technology development and address priorities in road safety.

“Next year will see another step-change in our rating requirements but our experience shows that manufacturers will be keen to maintain the high standards they have achieved so far, and that European consumers will continue to be well served.”

The SUV Korando is SsangYong's first five-star car, whilst the Mercedes-Benz’s SUV EQC is fully electric, yet both the former and its CLA also achieved five-star ratings, with the CLA achieving 90% in three of the four areas of safety inspected by Euro NCAP.

BMW’s Z4, a two-seater, also passed its safety tests, with its protection of vulnerable road users (with an active bonnet that lifts when a pedestrian has been hit by a car) leading it to its five-star rating.

Audi’s A1 received a five-star rating in 2010, and the new second-generation hatchbacks achieved five-star status this time around, too.

Ford Focus achieved five stars in 2018, and now it has again thanks to safety improvements with its seat designs, whiplash protection and head restraints in 2019.